A group of visitors at a zoo in Liaoning province, northeastern China, has drawn criticism after a video showed them pulling out hair from a resting tiger through a metal fence, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The incident occurred on June 8 in a special viewing area where big cats typically lie atop a steel tunnel.
The video, which has since gone viral, captures a woman urging others to “pull more” because tiger hair is believed to “keep evil away and protect the home.” Several others followed suit, with some tying the tufts of tiger fur to their handbags. One man posed proudly with the hair, calling it the “best souvenir — and free.”
Legal punishment
In traditional Chinese culture, tiger hair is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. However, many social media users were quick to condemn the act. The video has received over 700,000 views online, with commenters calling the tourists “selfish and ignorant.”
According to mainland outlet Dianshi News (via SCMP), zoo staff said they have repeatedly tried to stop visitors from touching the animals but haven’t been successful. An animal keeper noted that touching or provoking animals is strictly prohibited and can cause distress.
Experts have warned that such behavior is dangerous. Pulling a tiger’s hair can not only cause pain to the tiger but also provoke aggression, putting both the animal and humans at risk.
So far, it’s unclear if the individuals involved will face any punishment.
Zhu Wei, a law expert at the China University of Political Science and Law, told SCMP that zoo visitors can face civil penalties for harming animals, including fines, warnings, or even detention under Chinese law.
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‘Animals and tourists should be equals’
Online, many called for stronger physical barriers and stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents.
One social media user commented: “Animals and tourists should be equals in a zoo. It is the zoo’s duty to keep the animals safe.” Others echoed similar sentiments.
This is not an isolated incident. In May, a photographer at a scenic spot in Xinjiang was filmed throwing stones at a swan to keep it awake for better photos.
(With inputs from South China Morning Post)
